A Northeast Florida transportation and land-use planner has entered the race for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners District 4 seat, challenging incumbent Krista Joseph and joining retired law enforcement officer Sam Williams in the contest.
Heather Neville said she decided to run after becoming frustrated with what she sees as rising political rancor that she believes has stunted progress on county priorities.
“I’ve never wanted to be a politician. I’ve always been project-focused,” Neville told The Citizen. “But what I’m seeing now is this poison in the community — an unwillingness to compromise or listen. It’s being perpetuated at the County Commission level.”
Neville, who grew up in Jacksonville Beach and attended the University of North Florida, moved to St. Johns County in 2007.
She has worked on transportation planning, mobility initiatives and land-use policy throughout Northeast Florida and statewide.
Neville said her career direction shifted after a close friend was killed while riding a bicycle in 2011, prompting her to focus on bike and pedestrian safety and broader transportation planning.
Her work has since included road design, mobility policy, grant development and regional planning efforts.
“I’ve dedicated my life and my career to the public realm — roads, crossings, trails, the things that connect communities,” Neville said.
Neville said she has the appropriate skillset to to become an effective commissioner, and would not require a “learning curve” if elected.
The avid outdoorwoman said she aims to reduce board conflict, improve communication with residents about county projects, and foster ongoing dialogue on key local issues.
She drew headlines last year over her representation of Indianhead Biomass, a biosolids processing facility.
The operation has come under intense scrutiny — including coverage in the Wall Street Journal — after nearby residents said that it produced foul odors and damaged their quality of life.
Indianhead countered that it performs a permitted and environmentally important service — and that it predated nearby residential development.
Neville describes herself as a “smart-growth” advocate rather than a “no-growth” candidate, saying the county’s rapid expansion requires improved planning and infrastructure considerations.
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